STARTING OUT

CONGRATULATIONS!! You’ve made a positive step into looking to change your routine and make a very healthy and intelligent choice to your daily commute!!

Running to Work is a great way to start your day. The benefits areenormous. So many of us lead such busy lives that weaving in exercise into your daily routine can be almost impossible. So by combining your morning commute with a daily run makes total sense. You’ll arrive at work feeling alert and awake, you’ll drop weight and save money in the process. You’ll be in charge of the time you arrive at work (forget train delays and traffic jams!) and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment, too.

First and foremost it is important to make the initial journeys hassle free as possible in order to encourage a rolling program of runs. If you are already a runner, you should know your limits and time-lines involved.

If you’re new to the sport of running it will be worth while developing some base fitness with a few runs over weekends or evenings to get comfortable with the running to work schedule.

It is necessary to plan ahead, as the logistics involved with the kit and hygiene will take some consideration. You will quickly get into a routine of how to organise your schedule with the following hint and tips:-

You should try and leave as much at your workplace as you can for your running routine into work. This can include clothing and toiletries. Put them away in your personal draw or a shower room if you’re lucky enough to have one at work. The rest of your kit, and food, can be carried to work in a running backpack which also doubles up as a method to take home dirty kit, lunch equipment and Blackberry / Phone / iPad etc. The Giga Office is a very good option as it has compartments for keeping your laptop or iPad safe.

As a beginner you should look for at least 20 litres in size whereas someone with an established routine and storage space available at work can minimise further. By increasing size, the weight increases are generally not dramatic and will cope with the extra gear that might be required on occasions. Cotswold Outdoor offer a good range of running backpacks including the 12 litre OMM backpack which is a great choice if you don’t need to pack a full bag. Check them out: Cotswold Outdoor

Your backpack will contain all the things you need for work

after your run. Keep a spare plastic bag within the

backpack on the occasions when it rains and you need to keep spare clothes

dry.

If you work in a suit, then pack some lightweight casual clothes in your running backpack. That way you can leave work in these casual clothes and keep your suit at the office. This means you don’t need to transport your suit home and run in with it in the morning. Any suit carried in a backpack will look shabby!

Try your first few runs on days where you wont be out the night before or plan for when the weather looks acceptable. The early stages of running to work can be hard going if hungover, tired or wet. And anything which makes it less than enjoyable may deter future outings

If your work schedule is fluid and hours are unpredictable, thenthinkabout a mass drop of gear. Mondays can be a good day for this in advance of the week’s busy schedule. However, also bear in mind that Monday is a great day for running to work, being a perfect antidote to the Monday morning blues!

If you need some extra motivation to get going, think about entering a race which will clearly help you focus. Look for a local 5 km or 10km race to kick start your running training. After running to work for a period you’ll be surprised at how the miles seem to travel quicker. A competitive race will have you developing upto a half and full marathon in no time!

If you truly hate running in the morning or generally are not a morning person, then why not run home from work? Running back can be an excellent way to clear out the mind clutter from the day just gone and, besides, it’s the perfect excuse for a glass of wine or food treat when finished.

When you wake in the morning and really can’t be bothered to put on the trainers, just think about the noisy, smelly, late, unhygenic, busy and unappealing public transport system! Having your face stuck in someone elses armpit on the tube. If you don’t live in London or travel into work generally by car, think about the cost of petrol today and effect on the environment.

Join a gym! Ok, so this isn’t about running on the treadmill, but a gym near work will offer you the perfect place to shower, stretch out after the run, and perform your general morning ablutions. Certain gym chains are providing very cheap membership in these recessionary times. Alternatively, speak with your work place about providing a shower. They should be promoting healthy activities, especially if you can put forward the case of increased work productivity. Do remember to find a place at work to quietly stretch tight legs and muscles.

Many people are put off running to work due to the perceived logistics involved. However, after spending just a little time planning then it quickly and easily turns into a routine and you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t start earlier. If you’re a regular lunch time or evening exerciser, you’ll appreciate the extra time you’ll have freed up for yourself by getting the exercise out of the way first thing in the morning. Set aside a little time, think about the logistics and give it a go. You will NOT regret it!

92 Comments

Covers just about everything. When I ran home from work a few years back something different would go wrong each time. I’d have close encounters with cars, stuff would fall out of my bag and I’d be chaffed to high hell.

At 0645 this morning, I prepared my rucksack carefully with the stuff I needed for my run commute.

I didn’t enjoy cramming my shoes into the top of my rucksack; the thought of running with the heavy shoes dinted my confidence slightly.

I left the house at 0715, fifteen minutes over my target time of 0700. I wasn’t looking likely that the shower would be available, as I wouldn’t be getting into work for my target time of 0815.

The route itself was great, a few miles of gradual downhill, lots of flat areas, occasional up hills but very small ones.

Before I reached work, I realised that I hadn’t packed my travel sized antiperspirant, so I had to think about what I would do to counter any pong. The only thing I could do was carefully wash areas that needed attention in that respect and make it go right so that there wouldn’t be any embarrassment.

I arrived at work for 0835 and as predicted, someone had just beaten me to the shower. I began the emergency wash routine as planned, with disposable flannel, cheap as chips from a discount store.

The next issue I had was the constant sweating, I sweat quite heavily and if I am not in a room with a breeze, it takes ages to dry off, so I was sat at my desk feeling very sweaty for about an hour, fortunately, the air conditioning helped wick the sweat away. There must be a better way. I am guessing that if I had had access to a lukewarm/cool shower, the outcome would be different.

Before running home this afternoon, I will leave my shoes here at work, along with toiletries to lessen the load.
So far, off to a bad start.

I have just started running to and from work with the goal of running a half marathon in mind at some point. I really think that I am far more efficient at work because I haven’t just got up, stuck my head in the shower and got in the car…I have actually had a little time to organise my thoughts and plan my day. The hard work at the start is definitely worth it!

Annoy my work colleagues of course!
Actually, if you look closely at your local area you might find a cheap place to shower like a leisure centre or bargain gym
Or do you have friends in nearby offices that do have a shower..
Cheers
A

Hi Andrew,
I like your website. I’ve been running to and from work for about a year now.
It’s 5.5km each way, minimum, but sometimes I take a longer route.
Yes, it takes a while to get into a routine of leaving clothes at work,
and carrying a bare minimum of gear, but once in the routine, I sometimes
arrive at work almost without even feeling like I’ve been running at all.
A good way to start is to run only once or twice a week at first, and gradually build up from there.

Glad you like the site. It’s interesting to hear just how many other run commuters there are out there. As you say, it just takes getting used to and build from there. I’ve just moved out of London so now am getting a train into town and then running from the overground station to my work. It means I have to get up about 45 mins earlier than if I took the underground, but I feel fantastic for it!

I just started last week and running to and from my office Brixton – Holborn, on public transport it would be always unpredictable 45 minutes, when running it is always a predictable and enjoyable 55 minutes and I do not have to wake up at the crack of dawn to do my morning run as I combine the commute & run, it is amazing. My company is just moving to new offices and a shower is apparently there so I am very excited. I love it! And the breakfast that I can grab at Waterloo on my way to the office, nothing beats it.

I love running to/from work. I don’t use a backpack but put my phone/credentials/debit card in an arm band and my keys in a pocket that clips into my shoelaces. I’m still working out my system, but basically I keep a few work outfits at work and change at work where I’m lucky to have a shower. I’m one of the lucky ones that has an S.O. that will drop off lunch (and fresh clothes) for me. If I move to an office further away from home I may need to do the backpack thing but I am really worried about chafing, which was a problem I had the first time I tried the backpack. Do others not have that problem?

Like you I have a fair few change of clothes at work. Once that admin is done then its pretty much plain sailing. I’ve not really had much of a problem with chafing from a backpack. But I do use lengthy running tops and ones with high necks or some with zips that ride up almost as high as the top of my neck. In the winter then I have a shell jacket over the running tshirt so no probs at all! Also, tying up the backpack as tight as possible (without stopping circulation!!) helps against chaffing. Boy does that make me sound like a geek!

Hi, I’ve been running to work now for 7 months having done it in a previous job where it was possible. It certainly beats driving, sometimes quite literally! Very liberating when you are passing cars stuck in traffic, even if it is raining! I have a 7 mile commute, but stretch it out sometimes as well. Love seeing the odd other run commuter, its like a secret club, you know you’re in it as you are running with your little back pack, and share a secret little smile and a nod. Happy times!

All this is great, but I have a major problem that I can’t figure out. If I run to work in the morning and get the tube home, what do I do in the winter with my big heavy coat?! I can’t run with it am – it won’t fit in the running bag. I certainly need it in the evening!

Yep, a big heavy coat is not going to fit in a running backpack for sure! Maybe if you don’t run in every day then you could take a couple of coats to work, and so the days that you do run in there will be a spare to go home in? Otherwise what about ‘layering up’? So take a few lighter weight layers to work in the backpack and wear those for the journey home. There are some really lightweight and thermal clothes that’ll squish up in your backpack and keep you warm on a journey home. Just takes a bit of shopping about – have a look at Cotswold Outdoor Shop who I have a few links to on my website

Hi Andrew, great site! We just spoke via Twitter. I’d love to run to work but I’m currently working from home, haha. I do run other places though instead of taking of the car. It’s great to read so many positive comments on your posts. Keep up the great work! Paul

Hi, love the concept of this site. I used to run home from work…yes I did find I did have to plan a head (such a thinking about what clothes I was to wear that day, what was going to fit into my back pack on the way home etc) but once I got used to it and got into a routine of doing it….it became second nature. I don’t know if you found this but whilst I was running home from work I did find it worked different muscles in my arms – which was probably because of my backpack.
Anyway – I no longer run home from work as I have moved jobs and live too far away but I can honestly recommend that people who run and live close enough to work should run to (or from) work!

An office move next week will allow me to start running to work, and I can’t wait! Going to start off slowly with a couple of times a week and am planning to have enough stuff at the office to allow me to run with only a small amount of gear each day. Any tips on a backpack to get? I think I only need 10-15L as it should only be the essentials…

I have to admit that this this is something I have thought about for a while. The only thing is that I work shifts and in order to get in for day shifts and have a shower, I would have to leave at about 0530!! Similarly if I ran in for a late shift, I wouldn’t get back until about 0100. This would make me unpopular with the family if I woke th email up to have a shower. That said though I will give it some serious looking at. Mind you, I would have to change my route as the first couple of miles is a winding road with no footpath a nd lots of cars.

Have been doing a couch to 5k introduction to running programme, just in the 8th and final week.

So I am now doing some research into doing the run commute. I work at London Paddington Station, and arrive into London Victoria. This will give 2.3 miles each way, a good run through Belgravia, Hyde Park upto Paddington. It’s slightly up hill on the way, so might do the run on the way back, this will help avoid arriving to work as a sweaty mess….

2.3 miles on the way in would deposit you at work clear headed and set up for the day, or alternatively doing it in reverse will de-stress from a day at the office. Either way you can’t lose – and you’ll be a few £s better off and a few Llbs lighter!

I’m a fellow believer in getting around by foot instead of car. For seven years I took a bus to work and ran 5 miles home. A job change brought an end to that – I have to go to multiple, widespread locations everyday. I’m sure you enjoy commuting by foot as much as I did.

Hi all,
I live 25 miles from work but drive to within 3 miles of work, park up and run the rest of the way. In a few weeks I’ll be running 30 miles mon-fri with a short strech on sat and an increasing long run on sun. I managed to get my HM time down to 1:38 on three days a week but was feeling the pain on high intensity workouts. Since adopting this approach I am nearly ache free (still improving). By August I should be comfortably running 50m a week and will then start with the intervals, threshold, hills etc. My HM time is going to crrrrrruuuuuumble :O))

Sounds like you have it licked! Like you I now live a long way from work. I get off my train before necessary and then do something like a cheeky 10km from there. Its great isn’t it; getting it all out of the way in the morning.

Reckon your half mara time is going to fall quicker than Luis Suarez in the penalty area! Good luck with it – let us know how it goes

I visited your website, Andrew, some time ago (over one year) to get some information because I was planning to run to and back from work. We were changing office location and I could not find a satisfying way to get there. I am against cars which are no solution for this planet’s future and are way too expensive in my opinion.
Of course you need to organize at the beginning but you get used to it very quickly. I run 14km a day that way and stop once or twice a week to give my legs some rest. I wake up later than if I was taking the bus, arrive at work earlier, and don’t need to spare some time to train during week-ends as enough is enough though And it gives me strength to face the day, I am in a better mood, more relaxed and its gives me a feeling a success somehow.

I wish some of my friends / colleagues would follow me. But obviously it’s not something that most people would do. Anyway, I highly recommend it to anyone that is lucky enough to have a shower around the office and a realistic distance between work and home. Running to work will make you happy

Thanks for the note. You and I are on the same page when it comes to the benefits of run commuting! It definitely puts you in a better mood, de-stresses, brings clarity and relaxation. Oh, and a bigger breakfast as well!

Keep spreading the word amongst your friends and colleagues. The message is slowly getting out there! I’ve seen more articles in magazines and have recentlt been contacted by a few journalists on the subject. So progress is being made.

I work in a factory so the worries of smelling or sweating are irrelevant. Also got a shower in the locker room. Thanks for the tips, I currently bike to work and have been wanting to do this for a while.

Been wanting to do this for ages & my new office has a shower. Been trying to get my head around the logistics. How do you get around the problem of your shirts & trousers not getting all creased up? I could maybe take them all over on Monday & try & find a place to hang them, but i might not be able to do that.

Nice one. Yep, the thought of how to go about it can be trickier than the actual event itself. Take as many clothes in as you can on non run commute days and leave them at work. My office is like a second home / wardrobe full of my stuff now! If you cant do that as you suggest, then think about running home from work when it doesn’t matter so much about getting stuff creased?
Good luck and make it a new year resolution!
Cheers
Andrew

Hey fellow commuters
thinking of starting to run to work…. it’s a little over 10K to work. I usually manage about 5k on leisurely run with my usual distance being about 3k – any advice on how to get started and make it possible?
I was thinking maybe catch the tube to a managable distance and run from there… any advice welcome please!

Yes, thats a great way to start out run commuting. Catch a bus or tube to a manageable distance and head into work from there. Also possible for the way home as well of course! Try enlisting some mates and meeting them in the morning as well – you’ll be less likely to pull out and let your mates down.

You’re more likely to keep the routine up if you get all your kit sorted and make it as hassle free as possible for the first few ventures out! Its all about getting into a routine. And the lighter mornings and warmer weather should help at this time of year!

My run commute is 10km. I knew I was in reasonable condition (could manage 5km without issue) but didn’t really know how long the whole thing would take so one Friday night I set off home in running gear and just did a gentle run-walk-run pattern until I got home. I measured my time (1:25) and knew from then on that things could only get quicker. I set off on the Monday morning with enough time to spare based on my benchmark and made it 5 minutes ahead of time. From then on it just got quicker until now, when I do the run daily in between 45 and 50 minutes.

My advice? Try the full distance – it might not be as hard as you think

Dear Andrew,
I am a London-based Brazilian journalist at Globo, Brazil’s leading TV network. Since run-commuting in Brazil is very rare, we are interested in doing a news piece about that in London, and I would like to invite you to be part of the news piece. If you are interested, please e-mail me: claudia.silveira@globotv.com and I can tell you all the details. I am sorry I am writing you here but I did not find your email. Kind regards, Claudia

Hi, thanks for the great site! Pity some of your links seem to be broken?

I’ve been running to and from work (just 5 miles each way) for a few months now and it seems to be working very well. Now proven as a viable commuting method, it’s time to sell the 2nd family car.

I’m not sure of the best place to find the best kit. I really need waterproof trail running shoes NOW as my commute is mainly through woods/grassy common and running with wet feet/socks/shoes is BAD. Also looking to invest in light/waterproof kit to prepare for Autumn/Winter.

Yes, I’m working on the links in my site. A deep breath, cold towel and a dark room is required. And buckets of patience…!

Your run commute regime will be doing you well. Have you entered any races – its all useful training y’know? Keep it up

In terms of kit: Wiggle / Cotswold Outdoor / Likeys are all worth exploring (Google: Wiggle and Likeys). Salomon are doing some great trail shoes at the moment and are my current go-to shoe of choice. You might also try them on somewhere and then order on line – get some good bargains if you shop around on line! The OMM do some good waterproof kit and are well worth checking out.

Really useful website, thanks a lot for all the information and advice.
I am currently run-commuting 5.5km either to or from work (depending on logistics for a particular day), takes less than 30min and easily beats the +/- 45min rush hour bus journey; plus it means that I can skip the after-work gym visit on days when I would usually run on the treadmill. I am really hoping this will still be feasible in winter at least 3 days out of 5; and am also hoping to start “doubling-up” at some stage and running both to and from work on the same day.

I think you’ve pretty much summed up the reason to run commute / run to work. It means you can say ta-ta to public transport and also no need for that pre or post work gym work out. Winner!

It definitely is doable in winter. Cold morning runs are really rewarding I find. Get some decent leggings (Under Armour / 2XU) and kitted out properly and you’ll get into it in no time. And on rainy days just run faster….and take a bar of soap…!

Thanks. Yes, there’s a lot of run commute exponents out there and here’s hoping the trend will continue! And like you I think its the best way to clear the head and feel really sharp for the day ahead. Park Run is getting very popular. Its all over twitter!

I have run to work in the past during marathon training. As its 14 miles one way I’ve still to build the courage to go there and back in a day. I do however regularly cycle the too and from work 18 mile round trip as I’m currently in training for the next (2014) Prudential Ride London on the 10th of August. However the more I cycle the more I love running…!
I leave a suite holder at work with a week’s supply of changes in it including shoes sshirts etc which I deliver on days off.

I’ve recently purchased a running bag to help transport food which is my main problem; I like to eaqt properly after a 14 mile run and untill now have had to organise leaving food at work from the day before.

I’m hoping the running pack will move me closer to my goal of running both ways and an eventual ultra marathon… never say never.

I started walking at night to kill bordom having ditched the boose I thought I needed to stay sane… Before I knew it I was running marathons… OK, Sanity still questionable but at least I’m smiling….

Hint for would be Marathoners and anyone trying to promote fat burn… I now run or cycle before breakfast on the strenth of a cup of coffee. Apparently the coffee boosts fat burn and as long as you dont rush too much you stay in this zone throughout your run and train your body to fuel on fat…. Great for shape and for long distances…..

Thanks for your post. Sorry it took so long to reply, although the site has been down. Grr.

14 miles in one go is a cracking distance to run to work. And only one a cup of coffee is some performance. The longest run commute I do is 10 miles, but generally its about 5 miles 3 times a week. Never done a run commute home after running to work, but I know a lot of people that do. Its a great way to get your exercise in without really having to change your routine that much. It just replaces the public transport and the time equation can be pretty similar.

Keep up the good work. Like you I’ve used it as my main training for marathon running – only having to slot in the long runs at weekends. Its a winner!

This is a great site! I’ve just started running home from work and I’m really enjoying it. I’m fairly new to running and started earlier this year with the couch to 5K programme. Switching from a half hour run around a flat course to running 2.5 miles home against hills, roads, cars, pedestrians etc. all with a backpack on was a bit of a shock to the system, but my time is getting better and my fitness improving.

I walk to work each day, but run home Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. I’m still trying work out the best routine for getting stuff home at the end of the week!

I’m glad you like the site. Judging by the amount of feedback I’ve had on it there certainly seems to be a bit of a run commute community out there! Yes, its a bit of a shock at the start but a routine soon develops. And getting fit while commuting (for free) is a double bonus!

Great site Andrew !
I’m a to and from work runner twice a week. Logistics were the early obstacle but a bit of pre-planning has totally eliminated the backpack. Day before I bring clean clothes for next day, towel, two lunches and casuals to change into. All my work clothes get left at the office with towel & toiletries. I change into casuals and leave work shoes & trousers at office, and drive home. Next day I either run from home or park up at my local gym and run in to work with just my phone(for music/radio & mapmyrun GPS), bit of cash and car key in a handy little pocket sized wallet. Shower at work (nice) and change into clothes. Run home is same gear but clean run shirt & socks. Two runs in one day soon builds stamina but you need to have a good cooldown and stretch out. Some days are v wet, either through rain or sweat but you can’t beat running past traffic jams, usually saving time, and knowing you’ve done both your workout and your bit for the environment too.
Get your employer to install an all-in-one shower cubicle (just needs a cold water feed and electric).
Run to work is the future !!
Chris.

Thanks for the note. Twice a week is good work and it sounds like you have the routine licked now! Yes, a shower does help for sure, otherwise I always say to people to look at local cheap gyms…or alternatively run home from work. The wet runs are all the more rewarding. Sometimes its a slog to get out and motivated, but when the run commute is finished its all forgotten and the endorphins take over!

Thanks for the inspiration x signed up for London Marathon and so only real option with little ones is to commute run.

My office is 11 miles away so I am going to run to various trains along my route until I have the stamina. It would be good to know if there are any other mad people in the South East because it would be much nicer to have someone to share the pain and avoid spooky moments in the dark. Any suggestions on good websites ? Thanks

11 miles is a commendable distance, I reckon you can build up to that distance within a month or so!. That’ll get you in marathon shape in no time at all! You might want to look up ‘Home Run London’ who do guided run commutes from central London. Also I’d check on various forums such as Runners World and maybe join a local running club – there might be some there who’ll share the pain with you! Otherwise look at runningbug.co.uk – you should fine some other lunatics in there!

Really good website for runners – probably the best I could find a year ago when was preparing for my first run to work. And I still keep on running to work every week what more or less became part of my life!

I could not find any info about good garment carrier and since I need to wear business outfit at the office, I used a carton box for a while to fit my shirt/trousers and avoid wrinkles. I have later found a few but didn’t like it so decided to design my own what triggered http://www.iamrunbox.com. Product is light and ultra-portable and you can easily fit it into normal running backpack. I would really appreciate if you can check my product and let me know what you think about it and how relevant is it for commuting to work runners.

It’s good to read about others’ experiences commuting on foot. I’ve been doing 7-mile round trip runs to work for about 5 or 6 years now — my wife still thinks I’m nuts — and I’m still learning new tricks and techniques. I have been stocking up clothes and lunches at the office on the weekend, but I’m planning to try a running backpack soon. I don’t know how bad it is mixing it up with cars in the UK, but you really have to watch yourself in most of the US. I’ve found a fluorescent top and a cheap, rechargeable LED flashlight (or one pointed forward and one backward) keep the close calls with cars to a minimum and make the commute a lot more enjoyable.

I’m in the classic predicament of having a decent running base but lack of time thru week! But luckily also a run-able work commute from home.

Now have the chance to make use of some shower facilities near work so plan to start with Mon & Tues there & back running weekly. 5k each way. Will pack in a decent slab of my goal distance early in week which is huge bonus!

Hey Andrew,
I just found this site too, I know im a couple of years behind but just wanted to share my story. Ive been walking to work for the past year or two and ramping up my pace but never thought I’d be logistically able to take the leap and start running to work as theres no shower. I just took the plunge last week on the advice on here and its been life changing!! My body is struggling to deal with the change in pace but my mind isnt. Its one of the most invigorating things Ive tried in a long time and I genuinely look forward to every ‘commute’ now, regardless of how sore my legs are or how heavy the rain is (I live in Ireland by the way and we arent short of a bit of rain) Anyway. Just thought I’d say thanks for the great blog
Maxi (Dublin, Ireland)

Wow, thats great to hear! Yep, its the thought of the first few runs and the logistics involved that put people off I think. After a few goes it does seem to get really addictive! I’m glad you’ve found it helpful. Keep it up

Great website! Nice to know that other people run t work as well! My husband thinks I’m crazy I work only 3 km away so its a pleasant run just before 7 am and I’m there in 16-18 mins. On the way back if still have some energy left (I work as a Dental Nurse so quiet physical) I run 5k. It’s a great feeling to be able to do it and so practical!
Enjoy everyone!!

Hi Aggie – thanks! glad you enjoyed the site 3km is a nice distance to waken up and feel refreshed for the day – a 5km return run is v impressive..a double header!. Your husband might think you’re crazy, but I bet he’s super proud! Keep at it!

I’ve been thinking about running home from work (well getting off the tube a few stops early and running the rest) for a while now, then I found this site and it was hugely motivational! I’ve just run 2 miles through the city to my flat and am dripping with sweat and feeling amazing! No one looked twice at me (which was my main worry) and I actually noticed quite a few other people doing the same thing. If anyone is thinking about giving this a go my only advice would be to get on and do it (and not forget your socks like I did tonight). Thanks for the push I needed to get out and do this! I now want to work up to running the full 5 miles home, so much better than going to a gym!

Hey Diana! I’m glad you got the push that you needed from reading the site. Starting in Autumn is impressive – you’ll be a true pro come the spring and able to tell everyone JUST how it works by next summer – and smile at avoiding that nasty hot & sweaty tube!

I run to work to try and fit in the training midweek, this leaves me with the weekends free to spend time with the family, I generally drive in the first morning then run home. That leaves me with no choice but running the next morning because my cars at work!

One issue I haven’t yet found a solution to is, how to transport my lunch! I’ve tried various ways and means. I always run with a backpack so it can go in there but it usually either bounces around, sticks in my back, gets squashed or leaks!

I’ve started running from St Pancras to Mayfair. It’s only 3.5k and 18 mins but its a great way to start and end the day. Thinking i may get off the train at West Hampstead for a little longer run once i’m used to the whole process. Thanks for the site, really helpful!

Great motivational post to get people running to work. I’m all fired up to do it tomorrow! But I will follow your advice and get some runs under my belt first. I’ve only been running a couple of miles at the moment and work is 9 miles away so I need to get some training in. We are lucky to have a shower room which I guess eliminates at least one excuse! Thanks for the kick start…